Tag Archives: For the Weekenders

For The Weekenders: J-Land Special…Part 2

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Alright…! Recharged and ready to go, welcome to the second part of For The Weekenders: J-Land Part 2.

I remember on one of my visits to Japan going to see the Statue of Liberty…

Wait – what…? Statue of Liberty….? Well, it’s definitely possible, and can be seen in a little place called Odaiba.

What and where, is Odaiba you ask…? Odaiba is a large, unique, artificial island located in Tokyo Bay, across the rainbow bridge from Tokyo…Grab a water bus from Hinode Pier to get there, just a short walking distance from Hamamatsucho station on the Yamanote line, and take in the sights as you leisurely cruise your way over.

Initially being built for defensive purposes, Odaiba is now more of a place full of attractions and shops, including Burberry, an arcade that houses all the usual favorites like racing and fighting games, food, and a car theme park.

Being an enthusiast of automobiles, naturally Toyota Mega Web is the first place I went…they have a museum of cars from past decades….

minolta toyota car

As seen in Gran Turismo 4…

….oh, and did I mention you can test drive cars on an actual track and try out the simulators that actually act how a car would if you crash…?

simulator

Yeah.

Check it out here now. It’s one place you won’t want to pass up. Be sure to take plenty of pictures, a stroll on the boardwalk, grab an umbrella from Burberry, and hit up the food court for some seriously delicious items such as these:

Fucking. Yum.

There’s loads more to do, but I’ll leave the rest to you to discover.

Feeling a bit upper class and wanting to see Tokyo, also known as The Metropolis from a bird’s eye view? Then it’s time for you to check it out from a ￥90,000 yen view (roughly $900), with Excel Air.

Charter a helicopter from them, grab about four or five of your closest friends…heck….ditch the friends and bring a date…and prepare to take a look at this breathtaking city day or night….and in my book, the only way to travel is to make it memorable.

I'll go with sunset...

I’ll go with sunset…

I’ve known some guys to take girls on things like this during White Day in Japan (a holiday in March where a man gets the opportunity to show mutual affection for a woman who’s given him chocolates/gifts on Valentine’s Day the month prior). If this doesn’t make you want to get your pilot’s license, I don’t know what will.

An experience of a lifetime, tours leave from Urayasu Heliport near Maihama station on the JR Keiyou line.

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No trip to Japan would be complete without ramen. I know, I know, common, well known, most talked about food…but it’s not just about eating the ramen…it’s about discovering, the best, most memorable ramen known to mankind. There are many shops – few that are remembered.

I myself like to find the smallest, most whole in the wall type place – you know, the type where the front door on a cold winter day is a big plastic “sheet” for a wall…sit down, look at the few selections they have, and order. I usually wait for the chef to bring it over, and being a foreigner he waits to see just what I think of it and how well I can actually eat it (there’s a certain skill that’s developed – no forks here folks). Slurping is a GOOD thing…no slurpy, equals a pissed off and insulted chef. So slurp, slurp away my friends and gain respect.

Impressed with each other, I usually leave stomach full, taste buds content, and the guy across the counter usually shoots a firm but warm smile my way as he hears “gochisousamadeshita” as I shuffle out hand in the air as a goodbye.

Ahh, Japan…

– Rego

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For The Weekenders: J-Land Special…Part 2 is a post from and appeared first on Rego’s Life

For The Weekenders: J-Land Special…Part 1

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This afternoon I was going through my book collection and came across what I would call my nightlife bible, when I was living in Tokyo…and then I had the idea to share it with you all. So for this For The Weekenders guide, I figured I would share, a few of the most memorable, entertaining, and unforgettable spots I’ve been to and stayed at. Best part is you can find out more info on most of them if you pick up any Time Out Tokyo book. Enjoy.

Ageha. I remember the days when I used to be really into clubbing…though still fun, I’ve switched to more low key and slightly upgraded venues of entertainment. Not at all saying however that places like Ageha aren’t worth your while. At that time, being extremely interested in music (back in my DJing days), a group of people who I had become close friends with invited me out to what is known for being the biggest club in Tokyo.

Big, being an understatement.

Big, being an understatement.

Picture this: A shuttle bus picks you up in Tokyo (more specifically, Roppongi Dori) every half hour from Shibuya, for free, and transports you and your friends to Shinkiba, Koto-ku. From there you get off the bus and immediately into a line where you must have photo ID. No ID, no fun. It costs roughly ￥4000 (roughly $40 USD) to get in, but it’s worth it and I’ll tell you why.

pic-ageha

Once you get past the (surprisingly) unfriendly doormen, you step inside, pay for your ticket and are given a coin locker key to put your personal belongings in. With that ticket you get 2 drinks of your choice, so you can start mellowing out immediately at the island bar near the exit. The coolest part? When you use up those 2 free drinks, and you just want a beer…the dreaded bar line wait is optional.…that’s right my friend – with Heineken vending machines by the bar and dotted throughout the facilities, all you have to do is pop in some yen and away you go….to the outdoor dance floor and pool area.

ageha-studio-coast

That’s right…Ageha has not one, but three dancefloors for you to choose from. Kinda like me and don’t feel like dancing after doing it for 2 hours straight? That’s alright, just kick back and relax in any one of the numerous, unique, various bars and chill out areas, all providing different genres of music (as do the dance floors). Ageha – for when you have a want to do things BIG.

Still have a music itch but hungover from the night before? This is where my favorite cafe of all time, Rhythm Cafe, comes into play (pun intended). This is the only place, next to some spots in Porto, Portugal, I would go for coffee….why, you ask? Well, they serve my favorite – rich, smooth, excite every taste bud Segafredo Zanetti coffee. I always, always used to order the Cappuccino ..and with how serious I’ve realized Japan is about customer service and experience, the staff at Rhythm don’t just make coffee…they reinvent it.

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They also have an extensive music selection and comfy couches…comfortable seating is always numero uno in my book.

They don’t stop there, but have live djing some nights while turning into a lounge bar. In fact, the talented and super chill Michael Munoz has graced the place with his presence more than a few times to DJ. Four words – Japan, I love you.

party3

Their desserts are awesome, and the music twice as nice, especially during the day, when they play music from Thievery Corporation, Thunderball, RJD2, and Bajofondo. This is a great place to hang out and get some work done if you run a business remotely, meet up with friends, or impress that first date.

Last, but not least….let’s talk about a place that’s real fun. Fun as in a dance floor you can get up on and “shake your money maker,” whether you’re a guy or girl.

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The well known Arty Farty sign. A marker for a damn good time.

Arty Farty is one of those places everyone – and I do mean everyone, can enjoy. Known as more of a place that is well known and frequented by foreigners, unlike my usual neverending search for great predominantly local spots, this is one bar I can say has my A+ rating…and that’s a tall order to meet.

What makes this place so unique and sets it apart from others? Well, numerous reasons, the main one being the crowd.

Arty 2

Usually, after going out enough, you begin to see a pattern that can be boiled down into 4-5  different kinds of hang out places in Japan – the type where you see mostly locals….the type where you see mostly foreigners….the type where you see a slight mix of locals and foreigners….the type where it’s men only…and the type where it’s women only.

Arty manages to make all of these melt together, in turn making visiting this place one fascinating, memorable cocktail story.

I have met numerous people in here from literally all. Over. The world. I have met people from all walks of life in here…and I have met people of all different ages in here.Arty Farty

Arty is a straight, bisexual, lesbian, and gay friendly bar… in saying that, this place has such an air to it that when walking in, within the first 15 minutes you literally see all hatred and assumptions dissipate like vapor. Be prepared and be sociable, as this is the kind of place where people love to socialize, and you’re bound to end up having someone strike up a conversation with you simply for the sake of being friendly…

….and if you’re invited up on the escalated dancefloor, congratulations – you’re doing something right.

The place is cramped but the bartenders are always accommodating, drinks great (try the mint-flavored beer), and music, lighting, and club effects interesting and fresh.

You haven’t gone dancing until you’ve gone to Arty.

Have a great weekend.

– Rego

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For The Weekenders: J-Land Special…Part 1 is a post from and appeared first on Rego’s Life

For The Weekenders: Sandboarding in Saudi Arabia Tony Hawk Style, Hookah in Downtown Delray, Fitness Like The Miami Heat

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Snowboarding. Skateboarding. Surfing. Wakeboarding.

I’ve always been a fan of any kind of board sports, and recently the most recent sport that’s been on my bucket list is sandboarding. Talk about kick ass. For a boarding enthusiast, anything with miles of open turf is a dream come true…and sandboarding in Saudi Arabia is a boarder’s dream come true.

hawk sandboarding saudi arabia

Which is why for this post for the weekend, I’m kicking off with sandboarding in Rub’ Al Khali Abu Dabi – translation – Saudi Arabia. We’re talking miles of untainted and ever changing turf.

If you’re a snowboarder waiting for the season to come, this is the perfect activity to bide you over until it does. The experience is epic, which is clearly an understatement. The Rub’ Al Khali is the largest continuous sand body on the planet…meaning hundreds of miles of fun for you and your friends.

Fact: The sport of sandboarding originated in Brazil in the southern state capital of Florianópolis in 1986. So if you’re part Portuguese like me…now is the perfect time to embrace some culture.

If you can stand the heat, you can have a once in a lifetime adventure that could be an excellent cocktail story when you’re trying to chat up that 10 at the lounge bar  you frequent. Check it out – it’s an activity, and experience, you won’t want to miss.

So let’s say after all that excitement, you want to wind down with drinks and something that reminds you of the middle east…well, if you’re in the SoFlo area, there’s always Breathe on Atlantic Ave. in Delray…hookah and drinks…what more could you ask for?

Welcome to Breathe…VIP rooms available.

This place is decked out with awesome hookahs, a Mediterranean menu, and plenty of drinks to go around, especially during happy hour…if you’re looking for a chill night where you can forget about all your worries, this is the place to be. Hit up the beach less than 5 minutes away and gaze out at the full moon over the water, and you’ll feel like a new person in the morning.

VIP rooms are available, when you feel like treating yourself to a rockstar moment and adding that extra touch to your outings with a date you’re not really trying to impress, but would like to make them feel like they’re seeing something special. Imagine your own butler, bottle service and flat screen TVs, and you’ve got yourself a night to remember.

Alright, so you’ve done the sandboarding, jetted back to the West, and now after all that, you kind of want to feel like you’re getting back in shape for the week ahead. What do you do now? Well…as a fitness enthusiast, the first place I’d go is ProTerf.

Ed Downs is the man who runs this place – and he’s the real deal. Working with Navy SEALS and inducted into the US Martial Arts Hall of Fame, if you want a serious workout he’s the man to see and ProTerf is the place to go.

You can choose between group and private, and if you’ve always wanted to workout side by side with a professional athlete, well you’ve come to the right place. Just beware…you may very well be sore the next morning. Stretching before and after is advised, and as always…stay plenty hydrated. You can increase your rep count and performance by at least 10% if you do. I’ve been in fitness for the past 8 years and can attest to that.

Check out the full article at my outing bible, UD here.

Have a great weekend, and stay sharp.

– Rego

For The Weekenders: Sandboarding in Saudi Arabia Tony Hawk Style, Hookah in Downtown Delray, Fitness Like The Miami Heat is a post from and appeared first on Rego’s Life

For The Weekenders: ATVs In The Desert, Helicopters By The Beach, Upscale Bowling In The City

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Alright, so a little late in posting this one, but I have a reason: the travel bug. So instead of the usual, strictly domestic spot-pick, I thought I’d throw some variety into the mix. Enjoy.

I remember when I was a teenager the thrill of racing ATV’s through acres of land with friends at the homestead in Virginia – saying it was thrilling was an understatement. It’s the kind of activity where you actually feel good being covered with mud and specks of dust and sand. This week I got the urge to go for the same thing – but on a bigger level. So I got to researching – and what I found, the epicness (yes, I know that’s not a word) cannot be described in mere speech alone.

There are three things in life that bring out the best in me – travel, adventure, and speed.  Lençóis Maranhenses was able to fulfill all three.

What is Lençóis Maranhenses you ask? Well, if one of Evel Knievel‘s sons married Gisele Bündchen, had a baby, and that baby somehow had Indiana Jones as its uncle, it would be named this exact go-to location. I’m talking an ATV tour of Brazil’s endless lagoons, including minimum one desert.

Insert Flight of The Phoenix soundtrack here.

It doesn’t stop there, continuing with scenic riverboat floating, kite surfing and dune buggying – yes, now is your time to relive Mario Kart in real life. You can check out the main website which also lists other insane adventures here, and a more in depth article from my favorite fun time activity bible, UD, here.

So let’s say after all that ATVing you’re pumped and don’t quite want the fun to end, what then? Well, if you’re feeling a little like getting in touch with your inner Nathan Drake, you can hit up a gun range with a woman’s touch, Sandy Springs Gun Club and Range.

Take your pick…

Keep in mind, this is not your average range.  Besides high powered firearms and the choice of a tactical shooting session, these two ladies who created the place also offer a cushy lounge area where you can relax post-target practice…and if you’re anything like me, this is what will win you over.

“Wow…For your first time, you were pretty good at that B27 target…all 6 shots dead center.”

I’m sure your date would be pleasantly surprised to know that power and style can come in one package.

But let’s say you wanna take things up a notch, and get a little adventurous in the city instead. What then? Well, there’s always helicopters and sushi.

‘Cause you know..that’s how we do it in Miami….if you’re here to stay, you’re here to play – and Helicopters Over Miami is just the place you want to book with.

…and if you look close enough, my house is juuuuuust over…..there.
No I’m totally joshing you…that’s my vacation home.

They have numerous tours that span over various areas such as Gables Estates, Coconut Grove, Brickell, Downtown Miami, Sunny Isles Beaches, and even Ft. Lauderdale Beaches when you feel like heading a little further up north. What’s even better is you can make it a quick, nice thing to do before dinner with one of their half hour to one hour tours, or if you feel like something more personal, go for a custom tailored tour.

What’s even better is, if you’re an HSBC card holder, you get perks such as discounts and additional features. How’s that for feeling like 007?

The name is Bond…James Bond.

After the helicopter ride, you may find you’re hungry from all the excitement….no, not for steak…or even something quick and oily. Since you’ve spent time in the sky, might as well make it feel like you flew to the Asia Pacific for something more…exotic. So what do you do? Well, you whip out your smartphone, load up Monacle on your Yelp app and tap your way…to where it says Bond Street Lounge can satisfy your palette.

And satisfy your palette it will. I’ve been a repeat customer at this place for some time now, and with dishes like Sake Steamed Clams, and Blue Fin Toro Carpaccio, there’s a reason why I am.

And the sushi? Well, hell yes is all I can say.

They have an extensive menu of sushi and other Japanese but fusion filled dishes. So if you’re looking for something a little more like beef, you’ve got it.

But let’s say you don’t feel quite like being so adventurous, and instead want something more low key…let’s say you wanna kick it old school, and bring back some high school memories.

Then it’s Splitsville Miami to the rescue. Other locations being available, imagine a bowling alley with an upscale entertainment approach – billiards tables, a full service (gourmet) dinner lounge, and multiple bars dotted throughout the place. If I could describe this place in two words, it’d have to be luxury bowling.

Table for two, reservation booked for 8 o’ clock…

After 8 p.m. there is a dress code – smart casual only. Dress to impress is the rule, and dependent upon location this could mean no sunglasses indoors (this isn’t Doucheville), no athletic wear, and no cut-off shorts. This is, after all, upscale bowling and pool. The best part is it’s a mix of innocence and adult life – you can choose to come here with your nephew or niece in the day, then make reservations for you and that special someone in the evening.

Another round fellas?

I think it’s the perfect spot for guys/girls night out, or when you want to show your date that aside from the power car, power suit, and power life, you know how to relax and just have some fun.

Stay classy. 😉

– Rego

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For The Weekenders: Cigars, Vintage Lounge Bars, Cinemas on Steroids

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So this week has been crazy with the launch of one of my new business ventures, which has left me thinking of every possible way to kick back and celebrate the fruits of my labor this weekend.

Hence, I thought I’d stay local, and introduce you guys (and girls) to my top 3 for go-to spots this weekend – whether you’re a resident or a visitor of SoFlo. Enjoy.

Cigars.

When you think cigars, what’s the first thing that pops into your head? Your brother-in-law becoming a dad? Old Cuban guys playing cards? Gordon Gecko from Wall Street (1985)? Well, it’s time to think outside that box, and check out Wynwood Cigars, rightfully making their way onto UD, this isn’t your average cigar shop. The place is massive, spanning 5000 sq. ft., decked out in graffiti, rolling tables, cozy couches and live music to compliment the already epic setting.

’nuff said.

The aesthetic perfection of lighting…the feel of the couches when you slip onto them after a long day…the ultra aromatic smell of tobacco permeating even the most judgmental nose…the unique sounds of carefully selected live music…and the unique taste of a carefully crafted smoke that rolls off your tounge have earned this place more than just the title of originality and creativeness, but downright class.

Wanna get away from your standard smoking lounge? Starting to think those Camel cigarettes are getting old? This is the place to go. They keep the warehouse open late every second Saturday, bringing in tango dancers and supplying cocktails, all for your entertainment. Gotta love ’em.

Vintage Lounge Bars.

When I think of a nice drinking spot, I envision lounge tables surrounded by ultra comfy seating, a bartender who always remembers my name and top 5 favorite drinks, carefully strategized ambiance  and walls painted and outfitted with decor that makes me forget I’m even in a public drinking facility.

Then I stop envisioning and walk right into The Flat – a bar designed not to feel like a bar, yet not a lounge either…but instead a getaway spot you’d stick right on the side of your house if it weren’t 32 stories above ground level.

I also think of my fellow weekenders who were forced to play piano when they were younger, now realizing that the once geeky talent has huge payoff present day, when you usher your date over to the couch and casually begin to talk about music and musical talent while eyeing the piano next to you both.

The drinks here are unique and the owner old fashioned, only closing his doors when the last customer is ready to leave. That’s what I call service. The one place that I can say this establishment has come close to replicating, is a place Cocktail Factory in England I used to frequent during my uni days…and that, my friend, is a tall order to meet. So kudos, The Flat…I’d say you’ve earned yourself a name worth keeping.

Cinemas on Steroids.

If you’re an avid cinema goer, you will appreciate and love what I like to call a cinema on steroids – iPic Theaters in Boca Raton. Imagine your usual movie theater…and then take everything usual out of it. Insert cocktails, leather recliners, an on-call waiter, and blankets to cozy up under when the plot gets good.

Well I thought about hitting up AMC…but then realized that would be a little too conventional for dinner and a movie, don’t you think…?

Feel less like a run of the mill movie goer, and more like a movie critic while sitting back sipping Kamikazes, commenting on what’s going to happen next with your fellow buddies while nibbling on sliders – or cozying up to your significant other when she flinches at the slightly frightening scene of a good thriller flick….and here she was thinking it was just going to be regular movie night…

Stay awesome. 😉

– Rego

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For The Weekenders: Bonfire Fridays, Sugar Rush Saturdays, Kite Flying Sundays

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It’s Thursday again…meaning the weekend is right around the corner.

Due to my disdain for being predictable, I thought I’d switch things up a bit, and give you a  different kind of top 3 list to fill your weekend with. So we’re hitting it low key, meaning you guys get to see some things I prefer to do whenever I feel like keeping my wallet nice and fat.

So here’s 3 things to do that are all under $100. Enjoy.

Bonfire Fridays – Okay, so how many of you like the beach? Alright…how about beer? S’mores? Great. Now that I’ve got your attention – Bonfires are a great way to kick off the weekend – and the best part is – they’re a (relatively) free activity.

True story.

Beaches often facilitate bonfires by providing fire pits. Just keep in mind, these are usually on a first come first serve basis, but if you do get a chance to stake claim to one, you’re in for a fun night with many of your closest friends and acquaintances alike.
Don’t live near a beach? Well, you could always build your own backyard fire pit, and do it for damn cheap too. I’m talking $28, with minimal shopping around. This is probably your better option, because really, when it comes to safety standards and regulations, all you really have to concern yourself with is making sure you don’t build it near anything that can catch fire.

Like…trees, for instance.

Meaning you can focus on the more important things….like where you’re gonna put those 5 kegs you ordered and if you have enough mixers and liquor stocked in the mini bar. Which makes me think of another benefit – no drunk driving. Safety first, kids.

Sugar Rush Saturdays – It was Saturday afternoon. Not being able to see each other all week due to our busy schedules, my (ex)girlfriend drove up to my place to spend the day. “I’ve got a surprise for you.” I say to her over the phone. “A surprise? What is it? Tell me!” she replies back, I can hear the curiosity in her voice now. “Negative, no can do. You’re gonna have to wait until you get here. All I can say is this – take cover.” I respond, eyeing the two items I purchased sitting in the corner of my living room. “Take cover?” she asks, “Yes…take cover“.

This one is for the kid in all of us. So you had the bonfire on Friday night, now besides empty liquor bottles and snacks cleaned out from your pantry, you’re wondering what to do with the 3 extra bags of marshmallows you have leftover from making S’mores.
Well, you are in for a treat my friend. Whenever I find myself in this position, a slow, sly grin spreads across my face with one eyebrow raised. I can feel my inner 10 year old self welling up with excitement and adrenaline at the mere thought of it…and “it” is not Rice Krispie treats.
I’m talking about taking those white puffs of sugar, and stuffing them into an air pressure fueled blaster. To put it simply, Call of Duty and Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory‘s illegitimate love child.

Pretty sure the 10 year old version of Tony Montana would’ve been jealous of this.

These things can shoot mini marshmallows over a good 30 feet into the air, and hold up to or over 20 rounds of “ammo.” The coolest thing about it? It’s something that can be done indoors or out. So you can say “Take that” to days when it’s overcast and rainy and you don’t feel like going anywhere. The best part about the whole activity? The reload time. Try it out for yourself and you’ll know exactly what I mean.

It’s Sunday? Go Fly a Kite – and no, I’m not telling you to bugger off. When you’ve got breezy Sundays and perfect weather, this novelty activity is the perfect thing to add to an already great day. Though it may take some skill, once you’re up and running kite flying can be quite fun.
I remember my days of living in Bermuda, Good Friday was probably the most interesting and entertaining holiday I’d ever encountered at the time…and honestly? I still fly kites today.


There are actually businesses that run off this classic past-time, like the popular Skyward Kites in Bal Harbor. They have their business located and set up where you can buy and fly your kites all at one time, meaning no waiting around to start the fun.
The great thing about this activity is it’s reasonably priced, and a pretty flexible past time where you can bring friends, family, a date (to show your more relaxed, simple, fun loving side), or just yourself and spend a Sunday morning in a zen like state.

And there you have it. When you feel like keeping some cash in the bank or just want to get back to enjoying the simpler things in life, all of these activities can get you going in the right direction.

Have a great weekend. 😉

– Rego

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For The Weekenders: Bonfire Fridays, Sugar Rush Saturdays, Kite Flying Sundays is a post from and appeared first on Rego’s Life